(Joplin, MO) – Lafayette House is grateful to announce a $10,000 grant award from The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation supporting a comprehensive staff training and professional development initiative. This investment will enable Lafayette House staff members to participate in specialized training programs, conferences, and certification opportunities throughout 2026, directly enhancing the quality of care provided to the more than 900 clients served annually across southwest Missouri.
The grant recognizes a fundamental truth in human services work: the quality of care clients receive is directly connected to the expertise, skills, and wellbeing of the staff who serve them. Lafayette House team members work daily with individuals experiencing some of life’s most challenging circumstances, requiring specialized knowledge in trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, therapeutic sanctuary methods, and evidence-based practices for supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance use disorders.
“Our staff are the heart of everything we accomplish at Lafayette House,” said Susan Hickam, CEO. “Every day, they show up with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to helping people heal and rebuild their lives. The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation’s generous investment in our team sends a powerful message: that investing in the people who do this sacred work is just as important as investing in programs and facilities. When we pour into our staff’s development, they can serve our clients with even greater expertise and confidence. This grant will open doors for our team to learn from leading experts, gain new certifications, and bring innovative approaches back to our community.”
The professional development project will provide funding for conferences and trainings, workshops, online certification programs, and essential learning materials. This multi-faceted approach ensures that staff at all levels and across all programs can access high-quality professional development opportunities tailored to their specific roles and the unique needs of the clients they serve.
“At Lafayette House, we understand that excellent client care begins with excellent staff support,” said Eli Moran, Chief Strategy Officer. “The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation’s commitment to this project reflects a shared belief that our staff deserve ongoing opportunities to grow, learn, and strengthen their skills. When we invest in professional development, we are not only enhancing individual expertise but also building a stronger, more resilient team better equipped to navigate the complex challenges our clients face. This grant enables us to create meaningful opportunities for our staff to access the latest evidence-based practices, connect with other professionals in the field, and return energized with new tools and approaches that will benefit every person who walks through our doors seeking help and hope. We are deeply grateful to the foundation for believing in Lafayette House and investing in our continued growth.”
The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation was established with the intention of assisting local tax-exempt organizations and improving the lives of people and communities by focusing on health, education, and children. The foundation endeavors to support the efforts of individuals and communities to realize their hopes and dreams while celebrating the legacy of Fred and Dorothy Bramlage and Robert and Dorothy Willcoxon.
About Lafayette House:
Lafayette House is a private non-profit organization serving adults, children, and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or substance use disorders. The organization serves 1,200 people each year from a seven-county area in southwest Missouri.
Reference:
Chelsea Conley, Development Director
Lafayette House
417.782.1772
chelseaconley@lafayettehouse.org
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